Hōkūleʻa Homecoming

June 2017 & Its the talk of the towns in Hawaiʻi right now!

The Return of our Traditional Voyaging wa'a (canoe)

After departing Tahiti a little over 21 days ago, The journey for our Polynesian Voyaging canoe is almost full circe. On June 9th At 12:30 p.m. in the afternoon, the crew of Hōkūleʻa sited the sacred mountain of Haleakalā, signifying that the legendary canoe is officially back home after sailing for 37 months, 40,000 nautical miles and visiting more than 150 ports in 19 countries around the world. After spending 400 days at sea and 700 days on foreign soil, Hōkūleʻa will be bringing home wisdom, lessons, and ideas as gifts to share with Hawaii’s children from this voyage of rich learning.

“I also want to express our gratitude to the crews of the 30 other legs and the thousands of people in Hawaii, the Pacific, and around the world for allowing this voyage to happen. We are grateful for all that they have given to the success of the voyage,” Thompson added.

Although Hokulea and Hikianalia are in home waters, the canoes are still under kapu until the arrival ceremony at Magic Island on June 17.

After voyaging our Island Earth and sharing the message of Mālama Honua we welcome home Hōkūleʻa! Hōkūleʻa: Homecoming is a celebration of Hōkūleʻa’s return to Hawaiʻi after her worldwide expedition.

In celebration, Polynesian Voyaging Society invites our local and global community members to gather for a three-day summit to discuss mālama honua stories of hope inspired by the Worldwide Voyage and devolop sail plans for the future of Hawaiʻi and our planet.

Will there be parts of the ceremony that all present will be welcomed to join?

ʻAe. Once Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia crew disembark and assemble on land at about 9:45, please listen for the initial kāhea (call) by a crew member and join in on Auē Ua Hiti Ē (twice: once for each of the waʻa) followed by Ia Waʻa Nui. Later during the formal Homecoming Ceremony all will be invited to join in two other mele, Mālama Honua Welo i ka Niʻo and Hawaiʻi’s Pride.

From 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (during the Hoʻolauleʻa), hoʻokupu (lei, mele, makana, etc.) will be formally received at a tent located near Hōkūleʻa.

Our little ʻohana is so excited to be a part of this historic event! We canʻt promise photos, because we will be on a sailing canoe or participating in ceremony. However, stay tuned to Hōkūleʻa media team & many others, as this weekend of celebration begins!!!